Enhanced Spacecraft Reliability Achieved in Siberia

Scientists at the Siberian Federal University (SFU) have developed an innovative device designed to significantly enhance the reliability of power supply systems in spacecraft and reduce their overall mass. According to data published in the `Siberian Aerospace Journal`, implementing this development will decrease the weight of power source connection equipment by 30–45% and simplify energy flow management.

Current spacecraft power systems rely on solar and rechargeable batteries, along with power conversion equipment that maintains stable voltage within the onboard electrical network. However, SFU researchers point out that managing battery charging and discharging typically requires two separate instruments, making existing systems complex, heavy, and less efficient.

Professor Yuri Krasnobaev, from the Department of Automation Systems, Automatic Control, and Design at SFU, emphasized that a single global solution for these two functions has not yet been proposed, despite the significant advantages it would offer in terms of mass reduction, increased reliability, and efficiency.

The new device, developed by the SFU team, integrates both battery charging and discharging functionalities. Experts estimate that this will lead to a 30–45% reduction in the mass and dimensions of the combined charge-discharge unit, and a 30–35% decrease in energy loss compared to separate devices currently in use.

Currently, SFU scientists are creating a prototype of the new device. Following successful prototype testing, they plan to proceed with experimental design work, subsequently implementing these technologies at enterprises specializing in the development and manufacture of power conversion equipment for spacecraft.